Monday, August 17, 2009

Grandmama's. Level 6, Pavilion KL. Grandma Wears Prada.

Grandma. My paternal Grandma who literally brought me up was definitely Old School. Loving, caring with a stoic disposition she would probably be shocked by my lifestyle. After all, she sleeps at 9pm and wakes up at the crack of dawn and any aberration from the normal would be reserved for Chinese New Year and very very special occasions. Even my Mum, with her slightly more bohemian kind of mouth and sleeping times would have upset her clockwork like lifestyle. But she does have many charms, but her dressing is always so predictable. Pajama like shirt and pants at home, and a dressier shirt and pants outside. I've never seen her wear a skirt before! I kind of think of her as a toothless guardian Angel, beaming with satisfaction whenever anything good happens to anyone in her large clan. She had 9 children and which seems like an impossibility in this Modern Age. The only Western Food that I ever saw her liking was Chicken Chop with Oriental Sauce, and the satisfied smile I see on her face at the end of the meal will be something that I will miss forever.

Clockwise from top left: The "nest" chandelier in the private dining room, seats outside, chendol, coffee granita and the refreshing umbra juice that I love!

A funkier version of your Grandma as you know her as emerged in KL. Dressier, sassy, Westernized while retaining the charms of the Old Skool Grandma, she exudes confidence and has an aura of sophistication that commands attention even as you pass her by. Grandmama's is a new restaurant opened by the famous Madam Kwan clan. It is actually opened by her daughter and run by her grand-daughter. A very hands on kind of operation, I must say. If you see a friendly, petit little girl buzzing around the restaurant unobtrusively and helps from behind the bar to serving tables, she would be the grand-daughter. The decor of the restaurant is also a funkier version of the old. Probably custom made, the chairs were sturdy and reliable and looks slightly retro. Couches with cushions made me feel at home immediately although it was a hot and sultry afternoon post Imbi Market outing.

Sang Har (River Prawns) Noodles are their speciality. I have to admit that I am a novice to Sang Har Noodles. This is also my first time eating this delectably addictive noodles. The version I ordered came with Hor Fun. Thick whitish noodles that was served in a slightly thickened broth filled with luscious Prawn Roe. The broth was extremely flavorful and aromatic, and it was oh sooo.... good. Not salty at all, and the noodles did not give me the dry parched throat and giddiness that I get after a MSG laden meal. Lovely! I was hooked, line and sinker to this deliciously rich tasting noodle.

The other version of the noodle, came with even a thicker sauce. It was poured over some crunchy noodles and it was also very good. My friend had the Yin Yeong, Cantonese style fried noodles, which was fool of Wok Hei, and served with Hor Fun and crunchy Vermicilli. It was one of the better Yin Yeongs I have tasted so far.

We also had the Satay, which was heavily infused with (Unlyrical) Lemongrass, but nothing to shout about, and Acar. The Acar was fabulously good. Crunchy, slightly spicy with some Belacan (shrimp paste) flavour. Not oily at all, slightly sourish and sweetish with grounded peanuts mixed inside, the flavours were very balanced and nice.

I had ordered the Coconut Pudding, but it was not available and I waited for a long time for it, when I enquired, apparently, they were not ready yet. The management of the restaurant apologized profusely about the delay and offered to replace it on the house with the Pomelo and Mango Custard Porridge although I insisted on paying for it. But what a lovely surprise it turned out to be. Served chilled, it was amazing. Not too sweet, the Pomelos imparted a sourish taste to it which was delightfully invigorating. I had been in the wet market prior to stopping by and was tired. This perked me up better than Caffeine! Luscious Mangos and pomelos. Never thought that would be such a blast!

We also tried the super smooth Egg Custard that was steamed without a single pock mark on the surface. It was freshly prepared, so you' have to wait a while. The Umbra juice was breathtakingly rejuvenating as well. Chendol was just so so. Service was excellent, and the owners Super friendly and charismatic. Fuss free comfort food in a home like ambiance right in a shopping mall. Brilliant concept and an even more brilliant execution of the concept. The range of the menu is quite wide, from Western favourites including Chicken Chop, Steaks and Pastas to Malaysian Favourites like Nasi Lemak and Nasi Bojari.

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